The burnout I didn't see coming
Updated: 2 days ago
I didn’t realise I had burnout until it was already pretty serious. Looking back, there were some obvious signs that I wish I’d paid attention to:
I needed to nap constantly - exhaustion ruled my day.
My stomach was in constant turmoil - bloating, discomfort, the works.
I didn’t recognise the person staring back at me in the mirror - I was grey and hollow.
In all honesty, I didn’t even know what burnout was, let alone how to spot it in myself.
I ended up needing three months off work to recover and even now, I have to consciously practice daily rituals to keep burnout at bay. I'm acutely aware that it can return at any time if I don't.
The hardest part was the shame. I blamed myself entirely but I now know that burnout isn’t a personal failing. It’s often the result of unsustainable demands, poor boundaries, and unhealthy workplace cultures.
If you or someone you know is heading toward burnout, don’t ignore the signs.
1. 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘁
Crucial for recognising it in yourself and those around you.
2. 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽
Whether that’s from a doctor, counsellor, MHFA or trusted friend.
3. 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲
It’s not a luxury, it’s a necessity.
4. 𝗚𝗼 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳
Little steps, day-by-day will bring you back to health.
5. L𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲
What are the root causes of your burnout, what can you influence and what is outside of your control?
Burnout can feel like a personal failure and impossible to return from. But it isn't.
Take it from someone who’s been there - recovery is possible, and life can flourish again.
